Magnesium Dosage & Erectile Function

Amanda Knaebel

About the Author:

Amanda Knaebel

Amanda Knaebel is a self-professed gadget geek and loves all things tech, both new and old. Amanda has been working as a freelance writer for over 10 years on topics including technology, health, fitness, nutrition, gardening and many more. She has also worked with Fortune 50 tech and financial companies, both in technical support and content production.

Magnesium helps regulate levels of calcium, zinc, and other vitamins and minerals. It also helps the body produce energy and contributes to proper organ function. Most people don't develop a genuine magnesium deficiency, even if they don't get enough of the mineral in their diets, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. A true magnesium deficiency, however, may increase the risk of erectile dysfunction.

Green leafy vegetables in a bowl. Green vegetables are a source of magnesium.
(Image: elena_hramowa/iStock/Getty Images)

Benefits

Along with promoting overall health, a sufficient daily magnesium intake can help significantly if you take zinc to promote healthy erectile function or to help alleviate ED. Zinc is often recommended as a natural ED remedy, particularly for men who have a zinc deficiency, according to MayoClinic.com. Magnesium helps regulate zinc levels in the body to support healthy erectile function. Herbs, vitamins and minerals, including magnesium, haven't been widely studied in terms of their true benefits for men with ED or other erectile problems, but maintaining adequate levels of essential vitamins and minerals may help a doctor narrow down the cause of such problems.

Dosage

Adequate daily magnesium intake is slightly lower for younger men than for those in their 30s and older. The University of Maryland Medical Center recommends 400 mg daily for men between the ages of 19 and 30, and 420 mg per day for men 31 and older. While these levels are a good general guideline, you should check with your doctor to determine the proper dosage for a daily magnesium supplement, particularly if you're using magnesium to help treat or prevent erectile problems.

Sources

Green vegetables, legumes, seeds, nuts and brown rice are among the best sources of dietary magnesium. Most other foods don't contain enough of the mineral to contribute to daily recommended levels, which is why many people choose to take a magnesium supplement or a daily multivitamin that contains magnesium. If you're concerned about your overall magnesium level, particularly as it relates to erectile function, discuss supplement options and dietary changes with your doctor.

Considerations

While eating magnesium-rich foods or taking a magnesium supplement at the proper dosage is safe for most men, the mineral can interfere or interact with some medications. Discuss the benefits and risks of altering your daily magnesium intake with your doctor, particularly if you take blood pressure medications, diuretics, diabetes medications or antibiotics. Men diagnosed with erectile dysfunction often require changes in other minerals and vitamins or even prescription medication. Ensuring a proper daily intake of magnesium may help maintain healthy erectile function, but magnesium alone is unlikely to cause a significant reduction in ED symptoms. Magnesium levels can also be affected by excess weight, chronic stress and excessive amounts of alcohol. These factors may also be partially responsible for erectile problems.